The Mekong Delta is endowed with a diversity of glittering and alluring things to uncover, and many of its areas have been taken advantage of for tourism. Trà Vinh is one of the places selected for itineraries of tour operators and even independent travelers. Then, wonder how to experience an excursion there? The following detailed travel guide to Trà Vinh will help you prepare well for your coming travel plan and know what to do before you go as well.
Where is Trà Vinh?
Trà Vinh is a remote province of the Mekong Delta and next to Bến Tre, Vĩnh Long, Sóc Trăng Provinces. Although Trà Vinh is a famous place to visit in the Mekong Delta, it’s endowed with many enchanting sights and unique cultures of ethnic groups, especially Khmer people.
How to get to Trà Vinh?
Trà Vinh can be reached by road from Ho Chi Minh City – the economic, political and tourism center of Vietnam. If you prefer traveling by bike, here is the route for you. From the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, you proceed towards Bình Chánh District. At the intersection of Bình Thuận, turn to National Route 1 and go around 16km to Mỹ Yên, Vĩnh Lộc. Cross Bến Lức Bridge – cross Tân An Bridge to Long An Province. Keep going to Tiền Giang Province. Proceed towards the heart of Mỹ Tho City – Rạch Miễu Bridge – Bến Tre City – Hàm Luông Bridge – Mày Cỏ District – Cổ Chiên Bridge (Trà Vinh Province).
An alternative way which is easier and more convenient is that you should book yourself some daily tour to Trà Vinh from a prestigious tour operator. By going on that tour, you don’t need to waste time seeking must-see attractions, much less spend time seeing maps and directions.
How many days to spend in Trà Vinh?
If you depart for Trà Vinh from Ho Chi Minh City, you will spend 2, 3 or 4 days, subject to whether your own itinerary is long or short. The weather in Trà Vinh is as comfortable as it is in other provinces of the Mekong Delta; it has a rainy season and a dry season. It’s highly recommended that you should visit Trà Vinh on special occasions, e.g. Khmer festivals when you can do a lot of entertaining activities.
Currently, many 2, 3, or 4 day tours to Trà Vinh are offered by tour operators from Ho Chi Minh City, which allow you to explore all of the most rewarding things in this province. Hence, how many days you spend in Trà Vinh is not a worry at all. The tours can help.
Tourist attractions in Trà Vinh
Tourist attractions in Trà Vinh are associated with the life and culture of Khmer people, so an excursion there will enable you to know more about that ethnic group. Here is the list of rewarding attractions you ought not to miss out.
Âng Pagoda
When it comes to Trà Vinh, Khmer pagodas are seemingly a symbol, witnessing the history of establishing and developing the land. One of the famous ancient pagodas in Trà Vinh is Âng Pagoda, located at Ward 8, Trà Vinh City where there is a complex of Ao Bà Om and Khmer Ethical and Cultural Museum. Erected in the 10th century, rebuilt in 1842, and refurbished many times afterwards, the pagoda looks enchanting nowadays. There are plenty of mighty architectural structures carved with elaborate patterns, eye-catching shapes, based on Khmer legends.
Bà Om Pond
Located next Âng Pagoda is Bà Om Pond – National Route 53, Ward 8, Ho Chi Minh City, 5 km to the southwest of Trà Vinh City. The pond is fringed by over 100 year trees whereby their shadows bring the cool atmosphere for its surroundings. The roots of the trees are so large that they create small caves for children to play inside. The pond is also dotted with pink lotus flowers and water lily flowers in bloom, making up a picturesque sight in nature. Interestingly, there are many mysterious and legends associated with Bà Om Pond as well as the life of Khmer people there.
Khmer Museum
Khmer Museum is situated at Ward 8, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province, and just 5km from the heart of the province. Open to the public since 1995, Khmer Museum has retained artifacts representing important historic events of Khmer people during the wartime and their spiritual life and culture. In terms of architecture of Khmer Museum, it was designed in both traditional and modern styles, consisting of the ground and one floor. Surrounding the museum is a big garden in which there are a lot of green tall trees, right for tourists to take a rest while sightseeing.
Ban Động Beach
Ba Động Beach is one of the magnificent sights in Trà Vinh. The beach is just 50km to the southeast of the city center and located at the sea gate of Cung Hầu (the River Tiền) and Định An (the River Hậu). Because of the influence by alluvial soil, there is only one part of Ba Động Beach, owning a stretch of white sand and the sea water is turquoise and calm, perfect for beach holidays. During Tết Holiday, the beach is always the best choice for people to chill out and soak up cool breezes.
Ông Pagoda
Ông Pagoda lies at 44 Điện Biên Phù Street, Ward 2, Trà Vinh City and is considered as one of the typical architectural structures and a traditional art museum of the Chinese community in Vietnam. In 2005, this pagoda was designated as a national historic site; since then it has become one of the must-visit travel destinations in Trà Vinh. The whole structure is roofed with double-charged tiles while inside it is furnished with precious wood patterns; all walls, pillars and altars are also elaborately carved. It’s worth a visit.
Hang Pagoda
Hang Pagoda draws the attention of visitors not only because of its ancient charm, but because of the bird garden and artworks inside it. Being a Khmer pagoda, it bears distinctive features of Khmer culture and history, distinguishing it from others in the Mekong Delta. The chamber was decorated with eye-catching details. On the top of the chamber is a sharp tower, and inside it is a big statue of the Buddha. At the gate of the guest area is a statue of the mythical snake Naga.
What to eat in Trà Vinh?
The first food you should give a try when on a trip to discover Trà Vinh is Ám porridge. Regarding its ingredients and recipe, fish is cut into small pieces and then boiled. The broth is cooked with rice to make porridge. Afterwards, add several ingredients to the broth, consisting of dried prawns, grilled squids, and grilled onions. The porridge is a must-try specialty in the cuisine of Trà Vinh. Additionally, don’t forget to savor many different kinds of rice noodle soup, crabs stir-fried with tamarind, Xuân Thạnh wine, Vỉnh Kim dried prawns, and Cầu Kè coconuts.
Where to stay in Trà Vinh?
Of course, where to stay is definitely one of your concerns when you are planning to visit Trà Vinh. Here is the list of the budget accommodations you can take into consideration.
Cửu Long Hotel
Address: 210 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, Ward 7, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 400.000/room/night
Villa Basi Hotel
Address: Đầu Giồng, Basi Commune, Càng Long District, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 200.000/room/night
Thanh Thủy Hotel
Address:35A National Route 53, Ward 8, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 450.000/room/night
Gia Hòa Hotel
Address:75 Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, Ward 7, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 200.000/room/night
Ngọc Hương Hotel
Address:Nguyễn Đáng Street, Ward 5, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 200.000/room/night
Thanh Trà Hotel
Address: 01 Phạm Thái Bường Street, Ward 3, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 250.000/room/night
An Khang Hotel
Address: 69 Võ Văn Kiệt Street, Ward 7, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 400.000/room/night
Sanh Phúc Hotel
Address: 419 Đồng Khởi Street, Ward 9, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 200.000/room/night
Tấn Hằng Hotel
Address: 14 Điện Biên Phủ Street, Ward 2, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 250.000/room/night
Palace 1 Hotel
Address: 3 Lê Thánh Tôn Street, Trà Vinh City, Trà Vinh Province.
Price: from VND 700.000/room/night
Compared to other provinces in the Mekong Delta, Trà Vinh is not a popular travel destination, but it’s full of special things to experience. The land promises to leave you dozens of beautiful memories, ranging from charming sights to the culture, history, and shining smiles of innocent people there. When you are in Vietnam, don’t lose out on a chance to visit Trà Vinh and uncover its best facets.
